28th August, 2011
President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that Nigeria would help in the reconstruction of the UN building destroyed by a bomb blast on Friday.
Jonathan made the pledge on Sunday at a meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, at the State House, Abuja.
He said the Federal Government would offer temporary accommodation to the UN to enable its staff continue their humanitarian work.
Jonathan again expressed condolences to the United Nations’ family for the loss of lives and pledged assistance to enable immediate evacuation of the dead to their countries as well as medical treatment for the injured.
The president also commended Nigerians and foreign nationals who helped in the rescue operations.
He further expressed appreciation for all efforts aimed at bringing relief to those affected by the “condemnable act of destruction of lives and property.”
Earlier, Migiro had said she came to assess the situation after the attack on the UN house.
She thanked the president and Nigerians for the quick response of the rescue team, adding that the UN would not be deterred in continuing with its work in the country.
Migiro said top-level officials of the UN would remain in Nigeria to carry out a thorough assessment and examination of the affected building in order to advise the Secretary-General accordingly.
She requested for assistance to ensure the quick evacuation of the dead to their countries.